Singer 15-91 ugly bottom stitching
06-16-2012, 07:33 AM
#41
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Posts: 1,775
Well, I think I finally found the problem. Top tension. I decided it had to be a setting. So, I basically tried every combination of bobbin tension, and upper tension. I found that the higher the top tension, the less the underside bunching. My only problem now is that I have the top tension at max (10), and I am getting 97% good stitches. I imaging an 11 or 12 would get me 100%
Only problem is that there is no 11 or 12... So I am thinking that my top tension adjuster is bad, worn out spring perhaps? I'm going to see if I can replace the assembly before I start sewing my $1000 boat canvas. I finally see light at the end of the tunnel!
Only problem is that there is no 11 or 12... So I am thinking that my top tension adjuster is bad, worn out spring perhaps? I'm going to see if I can replace the assembly before I start sewing my $1000 boat canvas. I finally see light at the end of the tunnel!
This isn't the one that I was telling you about but it's a really good tutorial, also:
http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachi...djustment.html
Last edited by cabbagepatchkid; 06-16-2012 at 07:35 AM.
06-16-2012, 08:03 AM
#42
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: My Sewing Room
Posts: 1,180
My 15-91 threads right to left, and it works beautifully that way.
I guess you could try it both ways and see what works best for that machine. The needle threads from the left to the right. The needle goes in flat side toward the machine. It can be very frustrating getting it tweaked. Right now, I have a Singer 15 that pukes out bobbin cases & bobbins no matter if I have the take up lever all the way up, the bobbin 'clicked' into the groove or a new bobbin. Turn the wheel and pop - there it goes... rolls right out. I think some babies just puke. This machine looks like it has had VERY little use. I should try a different bobbin case AND bobbin and see what it does. Anyway it happens... 
06-20-2013, 06:21 PM
#43
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Muv made a good video about how to thread these machines: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2tiiZ51J7g I have learned a lot more since this post was new. Now I routinely take apart the tension. I clean the dead oil off the springs etc. Then I rebuild. They adjust so much easier. This manual has good info: http://www.tfsr.org/publications/tec...achine_manual/ I recently set one up with a hand crank & heavy thread - WOW it now sews through about anything.
06-21-2013, 03:48 AM
#44
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Victorian Sweatshop
Posts: 863
This thread was so fascinating my coffee got cold. Can't wait to get the bobbin case for my 15-91. I even have some Sunbrella canvas someone gave me cause the canopy kept ripping at the stitches. Wheee. Ya'll are the greatest!
06-21-2013, 05:46 AM
#45
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NW MO
Posts: 591
Use a 16 needle with 69 thread and 18 with 92 and adjust tensions for a tight stitch and the 15 does a wonderful job on Sunbrella. I do it all along. It probably goes without saying, use same thread in top and bottom and assure tensioners are clean. All other basics completed you're in for a pleasant sewing.
Last edited by Vridar; 06-21-2013 at 05:50 AM.
06-21-2013, 05:55 AM
#46
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Location: NW MO
Posts: 591
06-21-2013, 08:38 PM
#47
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Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Central Ia
Posts: 1,117
OH MY MY MY! Where was this thread two weeks ago? I recently bought a 15-91(Circa 1951) Centennial. And got my first order from Sew Classic(that was fast!)I finally relented and took in to the local repair shop. I either had the bobbin thread showing on top or had the needle thread showing on the bottom and that was with 2 different bobbin cases, played, tweaked adjusted on and on..
Mine threads right to left too...had to break a gazillion threads 'til I remembered somewhere on QB said to thread R-L.
I plan using the Singer for SITD and learning FMQ
and denim and who knows what else...
Hope to post a pic when she gets back from the spa.
Mine threads right to left too...had to break a gazillion threads 'til I remembered somewhere on QB said to thread R-L.
I plan using the Singer for SITD and learning FMQ
and denim and who knows what else...Hope to post a pic when she gets back from the spa.
06-22-2013, 01:55 AM
#48
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
OH MY MY MY! Where was this thread two weeks ago? I recently bought a 15-91(Circa 1951) Centennial. And got my first order from Sew Classic(that was fast!)I finally relented and took in to the local repair shop. I either had the bobbin thread showing on top or had the needle thread showing on the bottom and that was with 2 different bobbin cases, played, tweaked adjusted on and on..
Mine threads right to left too...had to break a gazillion threads 'til I remembered somewhere on QB said to thread R-L.
I plan using the Singer for SITD and learning FMQ and denim and who knows what else...
Hope to post a pic when she gets back from the spa.
Mine threads right to left too...had to break a gazillion threads 'til I remembered somewhere on QB said to thread R-L.
I plan using the Singer for SITD and learning FMQ
and denim and who knows what else...Hope to post a pic when she gets back from the spa.
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